EP2076670B1 - Hydroelectric apparatus for generating electric power mainly from tidal currents - Google Patents

Hydroelectric apparatus for generating electric power mainly from tidal currents Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2076670B1
EP2076670B1 EP06820216A EP06820216A EP2076670B1 EP 2076670 B1 EP2076670 B1 EP 2076670B1 EP 06820216 A EP06820216 A EP 06820216A EP 06820216 A EP06820216 A EP 06820216A EP 2076670 B1 EP2076670 B1 EP 2076670B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hydroelectric
hydroelectric apparatus
frame
rotating body
currents
Prior art date
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Not-in-force
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EP06820216A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2076670A1 (en
Inventor
Georges Poupinet
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Individual
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Individual
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/26—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
    • F03B13/264—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy using the horizontal flow of water resulting from tide movement
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B17/00—Other machines or engines
    • F03B17/06—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head"
    • F03B17/062—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially at right angle to flow direction
    • F03B17/063—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially at right angle to flow direction the flow engaging parts having no movement relative to the rotor during its rotation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/40—Use of a multiplicity of similar components
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
    • F05B2240/93—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a structure floating on a liquid surface
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/20—Hydro energy
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
    • Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product

Definitions

  • micro sources of renewable energy, decentralized and multipliable at will: small turbines, photovoltaic cells, wind turbines, etc.
  • the present invention is part of this approach. Its main objective is to capture the energy of the tidal currents according to the higher or lower coefficient of these tides at any time. Alternatively, it can also be provided that this capture is made from other marine currents or from fluvial currents.
  • the invention relates to a hydroelectric device as defined in the preamble of claim 1.
  • a hydroelectric device as defined in the preamble of claim 1.
  • Such an apparatus is known from the document US Patent 4301377 .
  • Some embodiments as defined above are known from the state of the art. Some of these constructions use turbine-type propellers or blades, the latter being derived directly wind turbines used in connection with the wind.
  • the devices known from the prior art generally require the implementation of complex constructions to enable them to withstand the harsh conditions of the environment in which they are intended to operate. Despite all the precautions taken, these mechanisms are always sensitive to their external environment, especially when they are located at sea, in contact with salt water. Thus, these constructions do not make it possible to easily modify the installation depth of these devices according to the characteristics of the devices. tides, for example.
  • the depth of service is predefined and adjusted at the time of implantation of the device.
  • a main object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the hydroelectric devices known from the prior art, by proposing such an apparatus adapted to be adapted to changes in the properties of the currents with which it cooperates in order to optimize their effectiveness and to allow them to implantation even in areas with relatively weak currents.
  • the present invention relates more particularly to a hydroelectric device as defined in claim 1.
  • the adjustment device advantageously uses the properties of its surrounding environment to fulfill its function efficiently and reliably, since most of its constituents are adapted to the medium in which they are intended to function.
  • the adjustment device comprises a pumping device supplied with electrical energy by the electromechanical device, via an electrical connection, to allow pumping water out of the tank.
  • this electromechanical device can advantageously be arranged on a portion upper frame intended to be permanently located at a level higher than that of the surface of the aquatic environment.
  • the rotary member comprises a rotation shaft connected to the frame by means of at least one bearing, the apparatus further comprising mechanical connection means for connecting this shaft to at least one shaft of a rotary member of another identical hydroelectric apparatus intended to be disposed near the first.
  • the particular characteristics of the hydroelectric device according to the present invention make it possible to assemble it on the mainland before towing it with the empty tank to the place of implantation, for example at sea.
  • FIG. 1 represents a simplified front view of a hydroelectric apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention
  • the figure 2 represents a simplified side view of a construction detail of the apparatus of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 3 represents a simplified partial front view of a set of hydroelectric devices similar to that of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 4 represents a simplified front view of a construction detail of the entire figure 3 .
  • FIG. 5 is a simplified front view of a hydroelectric apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • the hydroelectric apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is presented in a simplified front view on the figure 1 , at illustrative title.
  • the apparatus comprises a base structure defining a frame 1 having a lower portion 2 and an upper portion 3 movable relative to each other to have an adjustable relative position.
  • the upper portion 3, mounted in translation on vertical guide rails 5 integral with the lower portion 2, has a shape similar to that of the latter, with slightly smaller transverse dimensions.
  • stops may be provided to retain the upper portion in the lower portion in case of large amplitude translations.
  • the upper portion 3 carries bearings 6 in which is mounted the shaft 7 of a rotary member 8, shown in the figures in the form of a paddle wheel, by way of non-limiting example.
  • the impeller 8 has bearing surfaces 10, intended to cooperate with the currents of the aquatic environment in which the apparatus will be implanted, to rotate it.
  • An electromechanical power generation device 11 is arranged near the shaft 7 to generate a current in response to the rotational movements of the latter.
  • the electromechanical device may be of any known type suitable for the implementation of the present invention, and will include in particular an alternator driven, preferably, via a multiplier mechanism (not shown).
  • the electromechanical device 11 is preferably electrically connected to one of the management and distribution circuits 12 of the electrical energy produced from the movements of the rotary member.
  • the upper portion 3 of the frame carries a support 13, at a level higher than that of the rotary member 8 and, on which the management and distribution circuits 12 are mounted, to maintain these out of the aquatic environment permanently. By virtue of such positioning, these circuits are given greater longevity than if they were at least partially immersed.
  • the upper portion also carries a solid waterproof box for performing a reservoir function 15, arranged at a predefined height below the rotary member, that the skilled person can choose without great difficulty according to his own needs.
  • the tank is provided with an opening 16 whose access is preferably controlled by a valve.
  • An electropump 17 is also fixed on the upper portion, preferably out of the water, for example on the support 13, being connected to the reservoir 15, by a pipe schematically marked by the reference 18, to extract from the water when activated.
  • the valve may be of the electropneumatic type, with analog or digital control, and be supplied with electrical energy by the management and distribution circuits 12, as well as the electropump 17.
  • the circuits management and distribution systems comprise a controller circuit, programmed to automate the operation of the valve and the electric pump, either as a function of measurements made by a sensor, or in a predefined manner.
  • the hydroelectric device comprises a wireless transmission device for controlling the operation of the valve and the remote electric pump.
  • the management and distribution circuits are connected to the mainland by a power line (not shown) to allow a subsequent exploitation of the electrical energy generated by the hydroelectric device. It is thus possible to provide a second line electric, set up with the first, to supply the valve and / or the electric pump from the mainland, as an alternative to what has been described above.
  • the figure 2 represents, in a simplified way, a detail of the hydroelectric apparatus of the figure 1 , more precisely in the upper part of its upper portion 3, where is located the movable part of the apparatus for generating electrical energy from marine or river currents.
  • the mobile part of the apparatus is a rotary member 8, here having the shape of a paddle wheel for illustrative purposes.
  • the wheel has a plurality of bearing surfaces 10 extending in radial directions about the shaft 7 and can be flat, as shown, or curved in the case of river currents.
  • the bearing surfaces are here reinforced by ribs 20 connecting them in pairs.
  • the flat bearing surfaces are more particularly adapted to an implementation of the apparatus in relation to tidal streams to exploit the reversal phenomenon.
  • the rotary member 8 is enclosed in a cover 21 of suitable shape, cylindrical in the embodiment shown in the figures.
  • the cover 21 has two half-cylinders, one upper 22 and the other lower 23.
  • the upper half-cylinder 22 is preferably full to prevent the currents from acting on the part of the rotary member located in this housing. region at a given time, which could affect the performance of the device.
  • the lower half-cylinder 23 has openings 24 forming passages for water. It may in particular be made using a mesh to limit the size of objects or animals likely to come into contact with the rotary member.
  • the cover 21 is preferably mounted on the upper portion 3 of the frame removably to allow maintenance operations.
  • the hydroelectric device according to the present invention is intended to be implanted, in the ocean or in a stream of fluvial type, by being secured to the bottom of the aquatic medium concerned by the lower portion 2 of its built.
  • the structure of its frame and the method of attachment described make this device particularly well suited to regions of shallow depths.
  • the position of the upper portion 3 can be adjusted to the depth best suited to optimize the capture of the aquatic current by the rotary member 8, at any moment, for example by taking into account the tidal coefficient in the case of a ocean implantation.
  • the most effective positioning for the rotating member is its upper half lying slightly above the surface of the aquatic environment, while at least a portion of its lower half is submerged.
  • valve and the electric pump 17 can be actuated simultaneously or alternatively, depending on the desired effect, to act on the filling rate of the reservoir 15.
  • a decrease in the fill rate of the tank will cause a displacement of the upper portion 3 of the frame towards the surface, by sliding along the guide rails 5 of the lower portion. Conversely, an increase in the filling rate of the tank will cause a displacement of the upper portion 3 of the frame towards the bottom.
  • the controls of the valve and the electric pump can be actuated piecemeal, preferably remotely using the wireless transmission device, or programmed if the evolution of currents is well known.
  • a pressure sensor for example, can be provided to detect the optimum positioning depth of the impeller at any time. This sensor transmits the results of its measurements to the management and distribution, or dedicated electronic circuits, to generate a suitable response from the device and possibly modify the filling rate of the tank.
  • the figure 3 represents a partial front view, simplified, of a set of hydroelectric devices, similar to that of the figure 1 , mechanically connected in pairs, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the lower portions 2 of the apparatus are rigidly connected in pairs, while being fixed to the bottom, while their upper portions 3 may be integral with each other, at least in groups of a few units.
  • rotation shafts of the different devices are also connected in pairs, all being connected to a single electromechanical device 11 for generating electric current.
  • Gimbals 30 can be used to ensure the mechanical connection of their rotation shafts, or else differentials to allow different relative speeds of rotation and take into account local fluctuations of currents.
  • rotation shafts can be connected in pairs by means of mechanical links of the cardan type.
  • the skilled person can provide arrangements adapted to his own needs with regard to the management and distribution circuits, the valves and electropump controls, etc. ...
  • the high portions are Rigidly coupled, it is not necessary to provide as many management and distribution circuits as there are devices in alignment.
  • independent controls may be provided when the upper portions are able to move relative to each other.
  • the figure 4 illustrates, in a simplified front view, a particular embodiment of the set of hydroelectric devices according to the figure 3 , especially when the background is not flat.
  • Fixing the lower portion 2 of each frame is preferably performed on a perfectly horizontal surface, so that the structure is vertical, so that its mechanism works perfectly.
  • sea floor is rarely flat, for example, one of the following ways:
  • This slab of cement constitutes a ballast possibly adding to that of the tanks 15 filled with water.
  • Complementary tanks may be provided, integral with the lower portions 2 of the frame 1, to ensure the function of ballast, once filled with water.
  • An intermediate anchor bed may also be used as a connecting element to form the base 4 of the frame, being connected to the buried structure and arranged to receive the constituent elements of the lower portion 2.
  • the structure of the frame 1 may be made of metal or plastic materials, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as needed.
  • the figure 5 is a simplified front view of a hydroelectric apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • the frame 1 is formed by tubes 50 fitted by force in intermediate connecting elements 51, so that it is not necessary to weld them. Bolts may possibly be provided to strengthen the strength of the structure.
  • Captive floats could be fixed in sufficient number and volume in the lowest part of the frame, this part being due to its level obtained by means of the more or less important filling of the tanks by electropump out of the flow of currents and therefore below them.
  • each cable would then pass over one of the horizontal tubes of the lowest part of the assembly of structures and, firstly, in two rings holding it on either side of this tube and then on a crazy pulley placed on this tube, between the two rings, (the cable could also pass on two tubes)
  • the other end of the cable could be hanging in the water, a few meters deep, below the assembly; it would be weighted with a weight much lower than that now the first end of the cable on the bottom.
  • weights could be constituted by simple bags of gravel closed by a loop allowing them to slide on the cable one after the other.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Oceanography (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)

Abstract

A hydroelectric device, for the production of electricity in an aquatic environment with currents, includes a frame supporting a rotating member having a number of bearing surfaces that cooperate with the currents to generate a rotation of the rotating member. An electromechanical device produces an electrical current from the rotation. The hydroelectric device also includes a device for adjusting the position of the rotating member with reference to the surface of the aquatic environment. The latter device includes a tank having a variable opening positionable under the surface of the aquatic environment for modifying the water filling rate of the tank. The rotating member may be mounted on the frame by means of a shaft extending along a perpendicular direction to the currents, which facilitates the coupling thereof to one or two similar hydroelectric device shafts arranged at either end of the first, in alignment.

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

De nombreuses recherches sont faites actuellement pour arriver à une production massive d'électricité par des "microsources" d'énergies renouvelables, décentralisées et multipliables à volonté : petites turbines, cellules photovoltaïques, éoliennes, etc.A lot of research is being done to achieve a massive production of electricity by "micro sources" of renewable energy, decentralized and multipliable at will: small turbines, photovoltaic cells, wind turbines, etc.

La présente invention s'inscrit dans cette démarche. Elle a pour objectif principal le captage de l'énergie des courants de marée en fonction du coefficient plus ou moins élevé de ces marées à tout moment. De manière alternative, on pourra également prévoir que ce captage se fait à partir d'autres courants marins ou à partir de courants fluviaux.The present invention is part of this approach. Its main objective is to capture the energy of the tidal currents according to the higher or lower coefficient of these tides at any time. Alternatively, it can also be provided that this capture is made from other marine currents or from fluvial currents.

Plus précisément, l'invention concerne un appareil hydroélectrique comme défini dans le préambule de la revendication 1. Un tel appareil est connu du document US-A-4301377 .More specifically, the invention relates to a hydroelectric device as defined in the preamble of claim 1. Such an apparatus is known from the document US Patent 4301377 .

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

Quelques réalisations répondant à la définition ci-dessus sont connues de l'état de la technique. Certaines de ces constructions mettent en oeuvre des hydroliennes du type à hélices ou à pales, ces dernières étant dérivées directement des éoliennes utilisées en relation avec le vent.Some embodiments as defined above are known from the state of the art. Some of these constructions use turbine-type propellers or blades, the latter being derived directly wind turbines used in connection with the wind.

Toutefois, les appareils connus de l'art antérieur nécessitent généralement la mise en oeuvre de constructions complexes pour leur permettre de résister aux conditions difficiles de l'environnement dans lequel ils sont destinés à fonctionner. Malgré toutes les précautions prises, ces mécanismes restent toujours sensibles à leur environnement extérieur, en particulier lorsqu'ils sont implantés en mer, au contact d'eau salée. Ainsi, ces constructions ne permettent pas de modifier facilement la profondeur d'implantation de ces appareils en fonction des caractéristiques des marées, par exemple. La profondeur de service est prédéfinie et ajustée au moment de l'implantation de l'appareil.However, the devices known from the prior art generally require the implementation of complex constructions to enable them to withstand the harsh conditions of the environment in which they are intended to operate. Despite all the precautions taken, these mechanisms are always sensitive to their external environment, especially when they are located at sea, in contact with salt water. Thus, these constructions do not make it possible to easily modify the installation depth of these devices according to the characteristics of the devices. tides, for example. The depth of service is predefined and adjusted at the time of implantation of the device.

En outre, on peut noter qu'en l'état actuel de la technique, la surface de captage des pales étant limitée par leurs dimensions, il faut que la vitesse du courant atteigne environ 2,57 m/s (5 noeuds) pour que le générateur d'électricité puisse vraiment entrer en production. Ceci réduit considérablement le nombre de sites utilisables.In addition, it can be noted that in the current state of the art, the surface area of the blades being limited by their dimensions, it is necessary that the speed of the current reaches about 2.57 m / s (5 knots) so that the electricity generator can really go into production. This greatly reduces the number of usable sites.

Divulgation de l'inventionDisclosure of the invention

Un but principal de la présente invention est de pallier les inconvénients des appareils hydroélectriques connus de l'art antérieur, en proposant un tel appareil apte à être adapté aux changements des propriétés des courants avec lesquels il coopère pour en optimiser l'efficacité et en permettre l'implantation même dans des zones à courants relativement faibles.A main object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the hydroelectric devices known from the prior art, by proposing such an apparatus adapted to be adapted to changes in the properties of the currents with which it cooperates in order to optimize their effectiveness and to allow them to implantation even in areas with relatively weak currents.

A cet effet, la présente invention concerne plus particulièrement un appareil hydroélectrique comme défini dans la revendication 1.For this purpose, the present invention relates more particularly to a hydroelectric device as defined in claim 1.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, le dispositif d'ajustement utilise avantageusement les propriétés de son milieu environnant pour remplir sa fonction de manière efficace et fiable, du fait que la plupart de ses constituants sont adaptés au milieu dans lequel ils sont destinés à fonctionner.Thanks to these characteristics, the adjustment device advantageously uses the properties of its surrounding environment to fulfill its function efficiently and reliably, since most of its constituents are adapted to the medium in which they are intended to function.

De manière préférée, le dispositif d'ajustement comporte un dispositif de pompage alimenté en énergie électrique par le dispositif électromécanique, par l'intermédiaire d'une connexion électrique, pour permettre de pomper de l'eau hors du réservoir. En outre, ce dispositif électromécanique peut avantageusement être disposé sur une portion supérieure du bâti destinée à être située en permanence à un niveau supérieur à celui de la surface du milieu aquatique.Preferably, the adjustment device comprises a pumping device supplied with electrical energy by the electromechanical device, via an electrical connection, to allow pumping water out of the tank. In addition, this electromechanical device can advantageously be arranged on a portion upper frame intended to be permanently located at a level higher than that of the surface of the aquatic environment.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, l'organe rotatif comprend un arbre de rotation relié au bâti au moyen d'au moins un palier, l'appareil comportant en outre des moyens de connexion mécanique pour relier cet arbre à au moins un arbre d'un organe rotatif d'un autre appareil hydroélectrique identique destiné à être disposé à proximité du premier.According to a preferred embodiment, the rotary member comprises a rotation shaft connected to the frame by means of at least one bearing, the apparatus further comprising mechanical connection means for connecting this shaft to at least one shaft of a rotary member of another identical hydroelectric apparatus intended to be disposed near the first.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, un grand nombre d'appareils peuvent être reliés, préférablement par leurs arbres de rotation, pour former un ensemble capable de produire un courant électrique dans des courants faibles dans lesquels les dispositifs de l'art antérieur sont inefficaces.Thanks to these characteristics, a large number of devices can be connected, preferably by their rotation shafts, to form an assembly capable of producing an electric current in weak currents in which the devices of the prior art are ineffective.

Par ailleurs, les caractéristiques particulières de l'appareil hydroélectrique selon la présente invention permettent de réaliser son assemblage sur la terre ferme avant de le remorquer avec le réservoir vide jusqu'au lieu d'implantation, par exemple en mer.Moreover, the particular characteristics of the hydroelectric device according to the present invention make it possible to assemble it on the mainland before towing it with the empty tank to the place of implantation, for example at sea.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description détaillée d'un mode de réalisation préféré qui suit, faite en référence aux dessins annexés donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs et dans lesquels:Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description of a preferred embodiment which follows, made with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples and in which:

- la figure 1 représente une vue de face simplifiée d'un appareil hydroélectrique selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention;- the figure 1 represents a simplified front view of a hydroelectric apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

- la figure 2 représente une vue latérale simplifiée d'un détail de construction de l'appareil de la figure 1;- the figure 2 represents a simplified side view of a construction detail of the apparatus of the figure 1 ;

- la figure 3 représente une vue partielle de face simplifiée d'un ensemble d'appareils hydroélectriques similaires à celui de la figure 1;- the figure 3 represents a simplified partial front view of a set of hydroelectric devices similar to that of the figure 1 ;

- la figure 4 représente une vue de face simplifiée d'un détail de construction de l'ensemble de la figure 3, et- the figure 4 represents a simplified front view of a construction detail of the entire figure 3 , and

- la figure 5 représente une vue de face simplifiée d'un appareil hydroélectrique selon une variante de réalisation de la présente invention.- the figure 5 is a simplified front view of a hydroelectric apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Mode(s) de réalisation de l'inventionMode (s) of realization of the invention

L'appareil hydroélectrique selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention est présenté dans une vue de face simplifiée sur la figure 1, à titre illustratif. L'appareil comprend une structure de base définissant un bâti 1 présentant une portion basse 2 et une portion haute 3 susceptibles d'être déplacées l'une par rapport à l'autre pour présenter une position relative ajustable.The hydroelectric apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is presented in a simplified front view on the figure 1 , at illustrative title. The apparatus comprises a base structure defining a frame 1 having a lower portion 2 and an upper portion 3 movable relative to each other to have an adjustable relative position.

La portion basse 2 - en tubes d'acier soudés sur les figures mais pouvant être fabriquée avec d'autres matériaux - présente une base 4 de forme carrée mais qui pourrait aussi être rectangulaire. Elle est destinée à être élevée, fixée et/ou lestée sur le sol marin. On peut alternativement prévoir que l'appareil est simplement flottant sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention.The lower portion 2 - steel tubes welded in the figures but can be made of other materials - has a base 4 of square shape but which could also be rectangular. It is intended to be raised, fixed and / or ballasted on the sea floor. Alternatively, the apparatus may simply be floating without departing from the scope of the present invention.

La portion haute 3, montée en translation sur des rails de guidage 5 verticaux solidaires de la portion basse 2, présente une forme similaire à celle de cette dernière, avec des dimensions transversales légèrement inférieures. On peut prévoir une butée sur la portion basse pour limiter la hauteur de pénétration de la portion haute dans la portion basse. De manière similaire, des butées peuvent être prévues pour retenir la portion haute dans la portion basse en cas de translations de grandes amplitudes.The upper portion 3, mounted in translation on vertical guide rails 5 integral with the lower portion 2, has a shape similar to that of the latter, with slightly smaller transverse dimensions. One can provide a stop on the lower portion to limit the height of penetration of the upper portion in the lower portion. Similarly, stops may be provided to retain the upper portion in the lower portion in case of large amplitude translations.

La portion haute 3 porte des paliers 6 dans lesquels est monté l'arbre 7 d'un organe rotatif 8, représenté sur les figures sous la forme d'une roue à aubes, à titre d'exemple non limitatif.The upper portion 3 carries bearings 6 in which is mounted the shaft 7 of a rotary member 8, shown in the figures in the form of a paddle wheel, by way of non-limiting example.

Comme cela ressortira plus clairement de la description faite en relation avec la figure 2, la roue à aubes 8 présente des surfaces d'appui 10, destinées à coopérer avec les courants du milieu aquatique dans lequel l'appareil sera implanté, pour la faire tourner.As will become clearer from the description made in relation to the figure 2 , the impeller 8 has bearing surfaces 10, intended to cooperate with the currents of the aquatic environment in which the apparatus will be implanted, to rotate it.

Un dispositif électromécanique 11 de génération de courant électrique est agencé à proximité de l'arbre, 7 pour générer un courant en réponse aux mouvements de rotation de ce dernier. Le dispositif électromécanique peut être de tout type connu adapté à la mise en oeuvre de la présente invention, et comprendra en particulier un alternateur entraîné, préférablement, par l'intermédiaire d'un mécanisme multiplicateur (non représenté).An electromechanical power generation device 11 is arranged near the shaft 7 to generate a current in response to the rotational movements of the latter. The electromechanical device may be of any known type suitable for the implementation of the present invention, and will include in particular an alternator driven, preferably, via a multiplier mechanism (not shown).

Le dispositif électromécanique 11 est préférablement relié électriquement à un des circuits de gestion et de distribution 12 de l'énergie électrique produite à partir des mouvements de l'organe rotatif.The electromechanical device 11 is preferably electrically connected to one of the management and distribution circuits 12 of the electrical energy produced from the movements of the rotary member.

La portion haute 3 du bâti porte un support 13, à un niveau supérieur à celui de l'organe rotatif 8 et, sur lequel les circuits de gestion et de distribution 12 sont montés, pour maintenir ces derniers hors du milieu aquatique de manière permanente. Grâce à un tel positionnement, une meilleure longévité est assurée à ces circuits que s'ils étaient immergés au moins partiellement.The upper portion 3 of the frame carries a support 13, at a level higher than that of the rotary member 8 and, on which the management and distribution circuits 12 are mounted, to maintain these out of the aquatic environment permanently. By virtue of such positioning, these circuits are given greater longevity than if they were at least partially immersed.

La portion haute porte également un caisson étanche solide destiné à remplir une fonction de réservoir 15, agencé à une hauteur prédéfinie en dessous de l'organe rotatif, que l'homme du métier pourra choisir sans grande difficulté en fonction de ses propres besoins.The upper portion also carries a solid waterproof box for performing a reservoir function 15, arranged at a predefined height below the rotary member, that the skilled person can choose without great difficulty according to his own needs.

Le réservoir est muni d'une ouverture 16 dont l'accès est préférablement contrôlé par une vanne. Une électropompe 17 est également fixée sur la portion haute, préférablement hors de l'eau comme par exemple sur le support 13, en étant connectée au réservoir 15, par une conduite repérée de manière schématique par la référence 18, pour en extraire de l'eau lorsqu'elle est activée.The tank is provided with an opening 16 whose access is preferably controlled by a valve. An electropump 17 is also fixed on the upper portion, preferably out of the water, for example on the support 13, being connected to the reservoir 15, by a pipe schematically marked by the reference 18, to extract from the water when activated.

De manière avantageuse, la vanne peut être de type électropneumatique, à commande analogique ou numérique, et être alimentée en énergie électrique par les circuits de gestion et de distribution 12, de même que l'électropompe 17. On peut prévoir en outre que les circuits de gestion et de distribution comprennent un circuit contrôleur, programmé pour automatiser le fonctionnement de la vanne et de l'électropompe, soit en fonction de mesures effectuées par un capteur, soit de manière prédéfinie.Advantageously, the valve may be of the electropneumatic type, with analog or digital control, and be supplied with electrical energy by the management and distribution circuits 12, as well as the electropump 17. It can also be provided that the circuits management and distribution systems comprise a controller circuit, programmed to automate the operation of the valve and the electric pump, either as a function of measurements made by a sensor, or in a predefined manner.

De manière alternative ou complémentaire, on pourra prévoir que l'appareil hydroélectrique comprend un dispositif de transmission sans fil pour commander le fonctionnement de la vanne et de l'électropompe à distance. Les circuits de gestion et de distribution sont reliés à la terre ferme par une ligne électrique (non représentée) pour permettre une exploitation ultérieure de l'énergie électrique générée par l'appareil hydroélectrique. Il est ainsi possible de prévoir une seconde ligne électrique, mise en place avec la première, pour alimenter la vanne et/ou l'électropompe depuis la terre ferme, en alternative à ce qui a été décrit ci-dessus. On peut également envisager de charger une batterie (non représentée) installée sur l'appareil, lorsque les courants le permettent, tandis que celle-ci alimente la vanne et l'électropompe en énergie électrique lorsque cela est nécessaire.Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the hydroelectric device comprises a wireless transmission device for controlling the operation of the valve and the remote electric pump. The management and distribution circuits are connected to the mainland by a power line (not shown) to allow a subsequent exploitation of the electrical energy generated by the hydroelectric device. It is thus possible to provide a second line electric, set up with the first, to supply the valve and / or the electric pump from the mainland, as an alternative to what has been described above. One can also consider charging a battery (not shown) installed on the device, when the currents allow, while it supplies the valve and the electric pump with electrical energy when necessary.

La figure 2 représente, de manière simplifiée, un détail de l'appareil hydroélectrique de la figure 1, plus précisément dans la partie supérieure de sa portion haute 3, où est située la partie mobile de l'appareil permettant la génération d'énergie électrique à partir de courants marins ou fluviaux.The figure 2 represents, in a simplified way, a detail of the hydroelectric apparatus of the figure 1 , more precisely in the upper part of its upper portion 3, where is located the movable part of the apparatus for generating electrical energy from marine or river currents.

Comme cela a été mentionné plus haut, la partie mobile de l'appareil est un organe rotatif 8, présentant ici la forme d'une roue à aubes à titre illustratif.As mentioned above, the mobile part of the apparatus is a rotary member 8, here having the shape of a paddle wheel for illustrative purposes.

La roue comporte une pluralité de surfaces d'appui 10 s'étendant suivant des directions radiales autour de l'arbre 7 et pouvant être planes, tel que représenté, ou incurvées dans le cas de courants fluviaux. Les surfaces d'appui sont ici renforcées par des nervures 20 les reliant deux à deux. Les surfaces d'appui planes sont plus particulièrement adaptées à une mise en oeuvre de l'appareil en relation avec des courants de marée pour en exploiter le phénomène de renversement.The wheel has a plurality of bearing surfaces 10 extending in radial directions about the shaft 7 and can be flat, as shown, or curved in the case of river currents. The bearing surfaces are here reinforced by ribs 20 connecting them in pairs. The flat bearing surfaces are more particularly adapted to an implementation of the apparatus in relation to tidal streams to exploit the reversal phenomenon.

De manière avantageuse, on peut prévoir que l'organe rotatif 8 est enfermé dans un capot 21 de forme adaptée, cylindrique dans le mode de réalisation visible sur les figures. Le capot 21 présente deux demi-cylindres, l'un supérieur 22 et, l'autre inférieur 23. Le demi-cylindre supérieur 22 est préférablement plein pour éviter que les courants n'agissent sur la partie de l'organe rotatif située dans cette région à un instant donné, ce qui pourrait nuire au rendement de l'appareil. Le demi-cylindre inférieur 23 présente des ouvertures 24 formant des passages pour l'eau. Il pourra notamment être réalisé à l'aide d'un grillage permettant de limiter la taille d'objets ou d'animaux susceptibles d'entrer au contact de l'organe rotatif.Advantageously, it can be provided that the rotary member 8 is enclosed in a cover 21 of suitable shape, cylindrical in the embodiment shown in the figures. The cover 21 has two half-cylinders, one upper 22 and the other lower 23. The upper half-cylinder 22 is preferably full to prevent the currents from acting on the part of the rotary member located in this housing. region at a given time, which could affect the performance of the device. The lower half-cylinder 23 has openings 24 forming passages for water. It may in particular be made using a mesh to limit the size of objects or animals likely to come into contact with the rotary member.

Bien entendu, le capot 21 est préférablement monté sur la portion haute 3 du bâti de manière amovible pour permettre les opérations de maintenance.Of course, the cover 21 is preferably mounted on the upper portion 3 of the frame removably to allow maintenance operations.

Il ressort de la description qui précède que l'appareil hydroélectrique selon la présente invention est destiné à être implanté, en océan ou dans un cours d'eau de type fluvial, en étant rendu solidaire du fond du milieu aquatique concerné par la portion basse 2 de son bâti. La structure de son bâti et le mode de fixation décrit rendent cet appareil particulièrement bien adapté à des régions de faibles profondeurs.It follows from the foregoing description that the hydroelectric device according to the present invention is intended to be implanted, in the ocean or in a stream of fluvial type, by being secured to the bottom of the aquatic medium concerned by the lower portion 2 of its built. The structure of its frame and the method of attachment described make this device particularly well suited to regions of shallow depths.

La position de la portion haute 3 peut être ajustée à la profondeur la mieux adaptée pour optimiser le captage du courant aquatique par l'organe rotatif 8, à chaque instant, par exemple en prenant en compte le coefficient de marée dans le cas d'une implantation océanique.The position of the upper portion 3 can be adjusted to the depth best suited to optimize the capture of the aquatic current by the rotary member 8, at any moment, for example by taking into account the tidal coefficient in the case of a ocean implantation.

Typiquement, le positionnement le plus efficace pour l'organe rotatif correspond à sa moitié supérieure se trouvant légèrement au-dessus de la surface du milieu aquatique, tandis qu'au moins une portion de sa moitié inférieure se trouve immergée.Typically, the most effective positioning for the rotating member is its upper half lying slightly above the surface of the aquatic environment, while at least a portion of its lower half is submerged.

Dans ce but, la vanne et l'électropompe 17 peuvent être actionnées simultanément ou alternativement, en fonction de l'effet recherché, pour agir sur le taux de remplissage du réservoir 15.For this purpose, the valve and the electric pump 17 can be actuated simultaneously or alternatively, depending on the desired effect, to act on the filling rate of the reservoir 15.

Une diminution du taux de remplissage du réservoir entraînera un déplacement de la portion haute 3 du bâti en direction de la surface, par coulissement le long des rails de guidage 5 de la portion basse. Inversement, une augmentation du taux de remplissage du réservoir entraînera un déplacement de la portion haute 3 du bâti en direction du fond.A decrease in the fill rate of the tank will cause a displacement of the upper portion 3 of the frame towards the surface, by sliding along the guide rails 5 of the lower portion. Conversely, an increase in the filling rate of the tank will cause a displacement of the upper portion 3 of the frame towards the bottom.

Les commandes de la vanne et de l'électropompe peuvent être actionnées au coup par coup, préférablement à distance à l'aide du dispositif de transmission sans fil, ou de manière programmée si l'évolution des courants est bien connue. Comme cela a été mentionné, un capteur, de pression par exemple, peut être prévu pour détecter la profondeur de positionnement optimal de la roue à aubes à chaque instant. Ce capteur transmet les résultats de ses mesures aux circuits de gestion et de distribution, ou à des circuits électroniques dédiés, pour générer une réponse adaptée de l'appareil et modifier éventuellement le taux de remplissage du réservoir.The controls of the valve and the electric pump can be actuated piecemeal, preferably remotely using the wireless transmission device, or programmed if the evolution of currents is well known. As mentioned, a pressure sensor, for example, can be provided to detect the optimum positioning depth of the impeller at any time. This sensor transmits the results of its measurements to the management and distribution, or dedicated electronic circuits, to generate a suitable response from the device and possibly modify the filling rate of the tank.

La figure 3 représente une vue partielle de face, simplifiée, d'un ensemble d'appareils hydroélectriques, similaires à celui de la figure 1, reliés mécaniquement deux à deux, selon un mode de réalisation préféré de la présente invention.The figure 3 represents a partial front view, simplified, of a set of hydroelectric devices, similar to that of the figure 1 , mechanically connected in pairs, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

De manière avantageuse, les portions basses 2 des appareils sont reliées rigidement deux à deux, tout en étant fixées au fond, tandis que leurs portions hautes 3 peuvent être solidaires les unes des autres, au moins par groupes de quelques unités.Advantageously, the lower portions 2 of the apparatus are rigidly connected in pairs, while being fixed to the bottom, while their upper portions 3 may be integral with each other, at least in groups of a few units.

On peut prévoir que les arbres de rotation des différents appareils sont également reliés deux à deux, en étant tous connectés à un seul dispositif électromécanique 11 de génération de courant électrique.It can be provided that the rotation shafts of the different devices are also connected in pairs, all being connected to a single electromechanical device 11 for generating electric current.

On peut recourir à des cardans 30 pour assurer la liaison mécanique de leurs arbres de rotation, ou encore à des différentiels pour permettre des vitesses de rotation relatives différentes et prendre en compte des fluctuations locales de courants. On peut également envisager de lier les portions hautes deux à deux avec un certain jeu entre leurs profondeurs respectives, notamment en les reliant à l'aide de moyens élastiques, en particulier des ressorts.Gimbals 30 can be used to ensure the mechanical connection of their rotation shafts, or else differentials to allow different relative speeds of rotation and take into account local fluctuations of currents. One can also consider linking the high portions two by two with a certain clearance between their respective depths, in particular by connecting them with elastic means, in particular springs.

En alternative, il est aussi possible de monter les portions hautes des différents appareils de telle manière qu'elles puissent se déplacer les unes par rapport aux autres.Alternatively, it is also possible to mount the upper portions of the different devices so that they can move relative to each other.

Dans ce cas également, les arbres de rotation peuvent être reliés deux à deux au moyen de liaisons mécaniques du type cardan.In this case also, the rotation shafts can be connected in pairs by means of mechanical links of the cardan type.

L'orientation spécifique de l'arbre de rotation de l'organe rotatif, à savoir perpendiculaire par rapport à la direction des courants, permet un accouplement aisé et en grand nombre de l'appareil hydroélectrique selon la présente invention et, de ce fait, l'implantation de ce dernier dans des régions à courants relativement faibles où d'autres appareils de l'art antérieur sont inexploitables.The specific orientation of the rotational shaft of the rotary member, ie perpendicular to the direction of the currents, allows easy coupling in large numbers of the hydroelectric apparatus according to the present invention and, therefore, the implantation of the latter in regions with relatively low currents where other devices of the prior art are unusable.

Il est ainsi envisageable de prévoir des alignements de tels appareils accouplés les uns aux autres, voire de prévoir plusieurs rangées rapprochées de tels alignements. Dans ce cas, il peut être avantageux de disposer les alignements voisins en quinconce, c'est-à-dire qu'une zone d'un alignement située entre deux appareils devrait être disposée sensiblement en regard d'un appareil de chacun des alignements adjacents, suivant la direction des courants.It is thus possible to provide alignments of such devices coupled to each other, or to provide several rows close to such alignments. In this case, it may be advantageous to arrange the adjacent rows in staggered rows, that is to say that a zone of an alignment located between two devices should be arranged substantially facing an apparatus of each of the adjacent alignments. , following the direction of the currents.

Par ailleurs, l'homme du métier pourra prévoir des aménagements adaptés à ses propres besoins en ce qui concerne les circuits de gestion et de distribution, les commandes de vannes et d'électropompe, etc...Bien entendu, lorsque les portions hautes sont accouplées de manière rigide, il n'est pas nécessaire de prévoir autant de circuits de gestion et de distribution qu'il y a d'appareils en alignement. Inversement, des commandes indépendantes peuvent être prévues lorsque les portions hautes sont aptes à se déplacer les unes par rapport aux autres.Moreover, the skilled person can provide arrangements adapted to his own needs with regard to the management and distribution circuits, the valves and electropump controls, etc. ... Of course, when the high portions are Rigidly coupled, it is not necessary to provide as many management and distribution circuits as there are devices in alignment. Conversely, independent controls may be provided when the upper portions are able to move relative to each other.

On pourra également prévoir, dans des régions avec des courants en profondeur de disposer plusieurs appareils en alignement avec des roues à aubes agencées verticalement.It will also be possible, in regions with deep currents to have several devices aligned with vertically arranged paddle wheels.

La figure 4 illustre, dans une vue de face simplifiée, un mode d'implantation particulier de l'ensemble d'appareils hydroélectriques selon la figure 3, notamment lorsque le fond n'est pas plan.The figure 4 illustrates, in a simplified front view, a particular embodiment of the set of hydroelectric devices according to the figure 3 , especially when the background is not flat.

La fixation de la portion basse 2 de chaque bâti est préférablement effectuée sur une surface parfaitement horizontale, ceci afin que la structure soit bien verticale, pour que son mécanisme fonctionne parfaitement.Fixing the lower portion 2 of each frame is preferably performed on a perfectly horizontal surface, so that the structure is vertical, so that its mechanism works perfectly.

Toutefois, le sol marin étant rarement plan, on pourra par exemple procéder de l'une ou l'autre des façons suivantes:However, the sea floor is rarely flat, for example, one of the following ways:

- s'inspirer de ce qui se fait en matière de ducs d'albe en enfonçant, jusqu'à ce que l'on rencontre un sous sol ferme, quatre tubes destinés à recevoir à l'horizontale, par emboîtement, un élément de raccordement 40, celui-ci recevant ensuite les quatre tubes se trouvant aux angles de la portion basse 2; ou,- take inspiration from what is done in the case of dolphins by pressing, until a firm subsoil is encountered, four tubes intended to horizontally receive, by interlocking, a connecting element 40, the latter then receiving the four tubes at the corners of the lower portion 2; or,

- si le sol marin n'est pas trop pentu, y faire une plateforme en ciment armé épaisse, en fixant solidement à l'intérieur, horizontalement, un élément ou un demi-élément de raccordement sur lequel les quatre tubes d'angles de la portion basse 2 viennent s'emboîter. Cette dalle de ciment constitue un lest s'ajoutant éventuellement à celui des réservoirs 15 remplis d'eau. Des réservoirs complémentaires (non représentés) peuvent être prévus, solidaires des portions basses 2 du bâti 1, pour assurer la fonction de lest, une fois remplis d'eau.- if the seabed is not too steep, make a thick reinforced concrete platform, fixing solidly on the inside, horizontally, an element or a half-connecting element on which the four corner tubes of the low portion 2 come to fit. This slab of cement constitutes a ballast possibly adding to that of the tanks 15 filled with water. Complementary tanks (not shown) may be provided, integral with the lower portions 2 of the frame 1, to ensure the function of ballast, once filled with water.

Un sommier d'ancrage intermédiaire peut également être utilisé en tant qu'élément de raccordement pour former la base 4 du bâti, en étant lié à la structure enterrée et agencé pour recevoir les éléments constitutifs de la portion basse 2.An intermediate anchor bed may also be used as a connecting element to form the base 4 of the frame, being connected to the buried structure and arranged to receive the constituent elements of the lower portion 2.

La structure du bâti 1 pourra être réalisée en matériaux métalliques ou plastiques, sans sortir du cadre la présente invention, en fonction des besoins.The structure of the frame 1 may be made of metal or plastic materials, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as needed.

De manière générale, on peut prévoir de relier deux à deux les portions basses d'appareils adjacents au moyen de boulons 41, à titre indicatif non limitatif.In general, it can be provided to connect two adjacent low portions of adjacent apparatus by means of bolts 41, for non-limiting indication.

Dans les régions à fort risque de tempêtes, des mesures particulières supplémentaires peuvent être prévues pour renforcer l'ensemble d'appareils qui vient d'être décrit.In regions at high risk of storms, additional special measures may be provided to reinforce the above-described set of devices.

On pourra notamment prévoir des dimensions importantes pour les différentes structures et assemblages de structures, leur poids total et leur solidarisation constituant un élément important de leur stabilité. On pourra également les lester au maximum dans ce même but.In particular, it will be possible to provide large dimensions for the various structures and assemblies of structures, their total weight and their fastening constituting an important element of their stability. They can also be ballasted to the maximum for the same purpose.

Par ailleurs, il est également envisageable d'entourer l'ensemble des appareils hydroélectriques constituant une unité de production par une ceinture d'autres structures (non représentées) dépourvues de machines motrices mais ayant, à leur sommet, sur une hauteur à déterminer, des éléments de brise-lames tels que tubes ou profilés verticaux et/ou horizontaux placés de manière à "casser" les lames de tempête. Cette structure particulière pourrait en outre porter un chemin de ronde pour surveiller et faciliter l'entretien de l'ensemble.Moreover, it is also conceivable to surround all the hydroelectric devices constituting a production unit with a belt of other structures (not represented) devoid of engines but having, at their summit, on a height to be determined, breakwater elements such as tubes or vertical and / or horizontal profiles placed so as to "break" the storm blades. This particular structure could also carry a walkway to monitor and facilitate the maintenance of the whole.

On peut en outre prévoir de ceinturer l'ensemble ci-dessus, y compris la structure brise-lames par des câbles spécialement adapté aux milieux aquatiques et parfaitement serrés.In addition, it is possible to surround the assembly above, including the breakwater structure with cables specially adapted to aquatic environments and perfectly tight.

La figure 5 représente une vue de face simplifiée d'un appareil hydroélectrique selon une variante de réalisation de la présente invention.The figure 5 is a simplified front view of a hydroelectric apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Suivant cette variante de réalisation, le bâti 1 est formé par des tubes 50 emboîtés à force dans des éléments intermédiaires de raccordement 51, de telle manière qu'il n'est pas nécessaire de les souder. Des boulons peuvent éventuellement être prévus pour renforcer la tenue de la structure.According to this embodiment, the frame 1 is formed by tubes 50 fitted by force in intermediate connecting elements 51, so that it is not necessary to weld them. Bolts may possibly be provided to strengthen the strength of the structure.

La description qui précède correspond à des modes de réalisation préférés de l'invention décrits à titre non limitatif. En particulier, les formes représentées et décrites pour les différents éléments constitutifs de l'appareil hydroélectrique ne sont pas limitatives.The above description corresponds to preferred embodiments of the invention described in a non-limiting manner. In particular, the shapes shown and described for the various constituent elements of the hydroelectric device are not limiting.

Par ailleurs, il est envisageable, en alternative, de mettre en oeuvre l'appareil selon l'invention, ou un ensemble de tels appareils tel que cela a été décrit plus haut, suivant un mode de fixation au fond du milieu aquatique de type flottant.Moreover, it is conceivable, alternatively, to implement the apparatus according to the invention, or a set of such devices as has been described above, according to a method of attachment to the bottom of the aquatic medium floating type .

Des flotteurs captifs pourraient être fixés en nombre et volume suffisants dans la partie la plus basse du bâti, cette partie devant se trouver - par suite de son niveau obtenu au moyen du remplissage plus ou moins important des réservoirs par électropompe - hors de la zone de circulation des courants et donc au dessous de ceux-ci.Captive floats could be fixed in sufficient number and volume in the lowest part of the frame, this part being due to its level obtained by means of the more or less important filling of the tanks by electropump out of the flow of currents and therefore below them.

De même, l'homme du métier ne rencontrera pas de difficulté particulière pour modifier le nombre de réservoirs en fonction de ses besoins et, éventuellement en prévoir un nombre inférieur ou supérieur au nombre d'organes rotatifs.Similarly, the skilled person will not encounter any particular difficulty to modify the number of tanks in according to its needs and, if necessary, to provide a number that is smaller or greater than the number of rotating members.

L'ensemble de l'assemblage pourrait être retenu sur place par un nombre suffisant de câbles lestés de la manière suivante:The entire assembly could be held in place by a sufficient number of weighted cables as follows:

- une extrémité lourdement lestée de chacun des câbles reposerait sur le fond du milieu aquatique;- a heavily weighted end of each of the cables would rest on the bottom of the aquatic environment;

- chaque câble passerait ensuite au dessus de l'un des tubes horizontaux de la partie la plus basse de l'assemblage de structures et, tout d'abord, dans deux anneaux le maintenant de part et d'autre de ce tube puis sur une poulie folle placée sur ce tube, entre les deux anneaux, (le câble pourrait aussi passer sur deux tubes)each cable would then pass over one of the horizontal tubes of the lowest part of the assembly of structures and, firstly, in two rings holding it on either side of this tube and then on a crazy pulley placed on this tube, between the two rings, (the cable could also pass on two tubes)

- l'autre extrémité du câble pourrait être pendante dans l'eau, à quelques mètres de profondeur, au dessous de l'assemblage; elle serait lestée d'un poids nettement inférieur à celui maintenant le premier bout du câble sur le fond.- the other end of the cable could be hanging in the water, a few meters deep, below the assembly; it would be weighted with a weight much lower than that now the first end of the cable on the bottom.

Ainsi l'assemblage de structures opposerait une résistance élastique aux tempêtes et reprendrait sa place après le passage de celles-ci.Thus the assembly of structures would oppose an elastic resistance to storms and resume its place after the passage of them.

Par ailleurs, des lests pourraient être constitués par de simples sacs de gravier fermés par une boucle leur permettant de glisser sur le câble les uns après les autres.In addition, weights could be constituted by simple bags of gravel closed by a loop allowing them to slide on the cable one after the other.

L'homme du métier ne rencontrera pas de difficulté particulière pour assurer la liaison mécanique des différents éléments constitutifs de l'appareil hydroélectrique selon la présente invention. Il pourra notamment prévoir de disposer des éléments intermédiaires de type nylon ou Téflon (marque déposée) entre des parties mobiles pour limiter les pertes de rendement et améliorer la longévité de ces parties, sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention.The skilled person will not encounter any particular difficulty to ensure the mechanical connection of the various components of the hydroelectric device according to the present invention. It may in particular provide to have intermediate elements of the nylon or Teflon (trademark) type between moving parts to limit yield losses and improve the longevity of these parts, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

De même, il est possible de prévoir, tel que mentionné plus haut, d'assembler l'appareil hydroélectrique sur la terre ferme avant de le remorquer avec son ou ses réservoirs vides jusqu'au lieu d'implantation, par exemple en mer, quel que soit le mode de fixation ultérieur au fond marin.Similarly, it is possible to provide, as mentioned above, to assemble the hydroelectric device on the mainland before towing it with its empty tank (s) to the location, for example at sea, which regardless of the method of subsequent attachment to the seabed.

Claims (15)

  1. Hydroelectric apparatus for the production of electrical energy in an aquatic medium of the type containing currents, comprising a frame (1) bearing a rotating body (8) having multiple support surfaces (10) intended to work with said current to generate the rotation of said rotating body, an electromechanical device (11) to produce an electrical current from said rotation of said rotating body, and an adjustment device (15, 16, 17) for adjusting the position of said rotating body with reference to the surface of the aquatic medium comprising a tank (15) having an opening (16) intended to be positioned below the surface of the aquatic medium to permit the adjustment of the ratio of filling of said tank with water,
    characterised in that said frame comprises an upper portion (3) performing a support function for said rotating body (8) and mounted in translation on a lower portion (2) of said frame (1) so as to form a telescopic assembly and,
    in that said opening (16) is variable and said tank is borne by said upper portion (3) of the frame (1).
  2. Hydroelectric apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a pumping device (17) supplied with electrical energy by said electromechanical device (11), by means of an electrical connection, to permit water to be pumped out of said tank (15).
  3. Hydroelectric apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said frame (1) also comprises fixation means (4) arranged to permit its fixation to the base of the aquatic medium.
  4. Hydroelectric apparatus according to claim 3, characterised in that said fixation means (4) comprise a pulley intended to work with a cable.
  5. Hydroelectric apparatus according to claim 4, characterised in that said cable has a first end fixed to the base and a second free end carrying ballast.
  6. Hydroelectric apparatus according to claim 5, characterised in that said frame (1) comprises a cable passage defining an abutment for said ballast.
  7. Hydroelectric apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said upper portion (3) is arranged so as to have one end permanently located at a level higher than said surface level of the aquatic medium.
  8. Hydroelectric apparatus according to claim 7, characterised in that said electromechanical device (11) is arranged on said upper portion (3) of the frame (1).
  9. Hydroelectric apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said electromechanical device (11) comprises electrical connection means intended to ensure the transfer of the produced electrical energy towards an energy storage device or towards an earthing device.
  10. Hydroelectric apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said rotating body (8) has a rotating shaft (7) intended to be arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the currents.
  11. Hydroelectric apparatus according to claim 10, characterised in that said rotating body (8) is a paddle wheel.
  12. Hydroelectric apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, when it is intended to be used in relation to oceanic tidal currents, characterised in that said adjustment device for adjusting the position of said rotating body (8) comprises an electronic circuit (12) arranged so as to modify said position in a predefined manner according to the characteristics of the tides.
  13. Hydroelectric apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, whereby said rotating body (8) comprises a rotating shaft (7) connected to said frame (1) by means of at least one bearing (6), whereby the apparatus is characterised in that it also comprises mechanical linkage means (30) to connect said shaft to at least one shaft of the rotating body of an identical hydroelectric apparatus intended to be placed in the vicinity.
  14. Set of hydroelectric apparatus according to claim 13, characterised in that it comprises at least two hydroelectric apparatus, the lower portions (2) of which are rigidly connected to each other and each of which comprises a shaft (7) mechanically coupled to at least one adjacent shaft.
  15. Installation procedure for a hydroelectric installation comprising multiple hydroelectric apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 13, comprising steps consisting of:
    transporting said hydroelectric apparatus from land to the desired position of their installation in an aquatic medium,
    establishing a mechanical connection between said hydroelectric apparatus and the base of the aquatic medium,
    characterised in that the transportation stage is performed with said hydroelectric apparatus having their respective tanks (15) empty, whereby said apparatus are moved along the surface of the aquatic medium.
EP06820216A 2006-10-12 2006-10-12 Hydroelectric apparatus for generating electric power mainly from tidal currents Not-in-force EP2076670B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/FR2006/002318 WO2008043886A1 (en) 2006-10-12 2006-10-12 Hydroelectric apparatus for generating electric power mainly from tidal currents

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2076670A1 EP2076670A1 (en) 2009-07-08
EP2076670B1 true EP2076670B1 (en) 2010-12-29

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EP06820216A Not-in-force EP2076670B1 (en) 2006-10-12 2006-10-12 Hydroelectric apparatus for generating electric power mainly from tidal currents

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US (1) US8018080B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2076670B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE493580T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2663037C (en)
DE (1) DE602006019329D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2357685T3 (en)
PT (1) PT2076670E (en)
WO (1) WO2008043886A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITRM20100673A1 (en) * 2010-12-20 2012-06-21 Emiliano Sbranchella HYDROELECTRIC DEVICE OPERATED BY SURFACE CURRENTS AND DEPTH OF WATER COURSES
US8525363B2 (en) * 2011-07-27 2013-09-03 Dlz Corporation Horizontal-axis hydrokinetic water turbine system
US8786122B2 (en) 2011-07-27 2014-07-22 Dlz Corporation Horizontal-axis hydrokinetic water turbine system with water pump
WO2013016543A2 (en) * 2011-07-27 2013-01-31 Dlz Corporation Horizontal-axis hydrokinetic water turbine system
EP2607682B1 (en) * 2011-12-21 2017-08-16 Openhydro IP Limited A hydroelectric turbine system
ES2430942B1 (en) * 2012-04-16 2014-09-02 Santos MARTÍNEZ LÓPEZ Device for the transformation of wave energy into electrical energy through cumulative torsional forces or moments.
CN203601542U (en) * 2013-08-06 2014-05-21 杭州林黄丁新能源研究院有限公司 Tidal current power generation device and installation frame thereof

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US8018080B2 (en) 2011-09-13
US20090315331A1 (en) 2009-12-24
CA2663037A1 (en) 2008-04-17
EP2076670A1 (en) 2009-07-08
CA2663037C (en) 2012-05-08
DE602006019329D1 (en) 2011-02-10
WO2008043886A1 (en) 2008-04-17
ES2357685T3 (en) 2011-04-28
PT2076670E (en) 2011-03-17
ATE493580T1 (en) 2011-01-15

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